Why She Keeps Opening Every Drawer in the House (And the Label Trick That Can Help)
As an occupational therapist, I’ve always believed that our environment can either support independence or unintentionally create barriers. But it wasn’t until I became my mom’s caregiver that I truly understood how even the simplest daily tasks could become overwhelming for someone living with dementia.
One of the easiest—and most successful—changes we made was using dementia drawer labels throughout her home.
Although this strategy can benefit individuals living with any type of dementia, I found it especially helpful during my mom’s journey with Lewy body dementia. What seemed like a simple environmental modification helped reduce frustration, supported her confidence, and made it easier for her to remain involved in her daily routine.
Why Dementia Drawer Labels Help
As dementia progresses, finding everyday items can become increasingly difficult. Someone may know they need a sweater or a pair of socks but struggle to remember where those items are stored. They may open several drawers before finding the right one—or become so frustrated that they stop trying altogether.
Lewy body dementia can add additional challenges. Changes in visual perception, fluctuating attention, and changes in thinking can make navigating familiar spaces feel unexpectedly confusing from one day to the next.
Dementia drawer labels provide a simple visual cue that reduces the mental effort required to locate everyday belongings.
Instead of relying solely on memory, the environment gently provides the answer.
For some individuals, this simple occupational therapy strategy may reduce frustration, support independence, and make daily routines easier to navigate.
How Dementia Drawer Labels Helped My Mom with Lewy Body Dementia
My mom had always been incredibly organized. As a registered nurse, she spent her life caring for others, and she took pride in keeping her home neat and orderly.
As Lewy body dementia progressed, I noticed that getting dressed became more difficult. She knew what she wanted to wear, but finding it often became frustrating. Some mornings she opened nearly every drawer in her dresser searching for one item.
Rather than correcting her or stepping in to do everything for her, I wanted to preserve her independence.
Together, we added large-print dementia drawer labels to her dresser.
Almost immediately, I noticed a difference.
Instead of asking for help as often, she could pause, read the label, and find what she needed. The labels didn’t eliminate every challenge, but they reduced unnecessary frustration and allowed her to experience more success during everyday routines.
As both her daughter and an occupational therapist, those small victories meant everything.
Another Simple Change That Made a Big Difference: Replacing the Drawer Handles
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase through one of my Amazon links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I have personally used with my mom, use myself, or would confidently recommend based on my experience as an occupational therapist and family caregiver.
As my mom’s Lewy body dementia progressed, I noticed that opening her dresser drawers became more challenging—not because she forgot where her clothes were, but because grasping the original built-in drawer handles became increasingly difficult.
Although replacing the dresser may have seemed like the easiest solution, it had belonged to her mother and held deep sentimental value. She was determined to continue using it, so I looked for a simple adaptation that would preserve both her independence and a cherished family heirloom.
I added larger adhesive drawer pulls. Because they had a wider grip surface, my mom could wrap all her fingers around the handles instead of pinching with her fingertips.
Combined with the dementia drawer labels, this quick modification made getting dressed less frustrating and easier for her to manage on her own.
As an occupational therapist, I often remind caregivers that small environmental changes can have a huge impact. This inexpensive fix took only a few minutes to install but made a noticeable difference in my mom’s daily routine.
Recommended Easy-Grip Drawer Handles
These are the easy-grip adhesive drawer handles I used on my mom’s dresser. For someone who has difficulty grasping small drawer pulls, a larger grip surface may make drawers easier to open.
→ View the Easy-Grip Drawer Handles I Used on Amazon
Tips for Using Dementia Drawer Labels
If you’d like to try this strategy, here are a few tips:
- Use large, high-contrast lettering.
- Label only what is needed.
- Place labels in the same location on every drawer.
- Use familiar words such as shirts, socks, pajamas, pants, and sweaters.
- Consider adding simple pictures for individuals who respond better to visual cues.
- Give the person time to locate the correct drawer before stepping in to help.
Remember, the goal is not perfection.
The goal is reducing frustration while supporting confidence, dignity, and independence.
Every Person Living with Dementia Is Different
Not every strategy works for every individual living with dementia.
Some people respond best to words.
Others benefit from photographs or pictures.
One of the guiding principles of occupational therapy is:
We adapt the environment to fit the person—not the person to fit the environment.
As dementia changes over time, it’s okay if your strategies change too.
Printable Dementia Drawer Labels
After seeing how successful this strategy was with my mom, I created a printable set of large-print dementia drawer labels so other caregivers wouldn’t have to start from scratch.
→ View My Printable Dementia Drawer Labels
Your instant digital download is simple to use:
✔ Print on full-sheet or pre-cut label paper and apply directly to drawers.
✔ Or print on regular paper, cut out each label, and attach them with clear tape—an inexpensive option that worked wonderfully for our family.
Whether you’re caring for someone living with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or another form of dementia, I hope these labels help reduce confusion, support independence, and make everyday routines just a little easier.
Continue Reading
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like
Best Dementia Clocks for Seniors: What Helped My Mom Stay Oriented
After caring for my mom through six years of Lewy Body Dementia, and drawing on my experience as an occupational therapist, I’m sharing the dementia clocks that brought more peace to her routine.
Nighttime Safety for Someone With Dementia: 8 Practical Changes for Caregivers
Practical, OT-informed changes—from better lighting to bathroom safety—that can support safer nighttime routines for someone living with dementia.
About the Author
Kimberly Orlando, MOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with more than 25 years of experience and a former family caregiver to her mother, who lived with Lewy body dementia for six years. Through Sunny by Kimberly, she shares practical, OT-informed ideas for dementia care, safer daily routines, meaningful activities, and aging well.
Disclaimer: The information shared by Sunny by Kimberly is for educational purposes only and is based on my experience as an occupational therapist and family caregiver. It is not intended to replace individualized medical, occupational therapy, or healthcare advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.
